Concerns over increased shark finning in Fiji

Marine conservationists in Fiji are concerned that local fishermen are taking up shark finning in greater numbers.

Divers across the country are currently engaged in the annual Great Fiji Shark Count which monitors sharks on reefs and surrounding waters.

Shark finning is legal in Fiji, and fishermen sell the fins to exporters.

Diver Nanise Ledua, who is coordinating the shark count, says many of the fishermen involved don't see a problem with the practice.

"There are many coast fishermen, local coastal fishermen who are into the trade of shark finning. They sell it over to the markets and to the middle men here in Fiji," she told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat.

Ms Ledua says fishermen need to understand how important sharks are to the environment.

"It's a source of income over to them and they consume it too. For them it's a win-win situation to which they cannot understand the importance of these animals on our marine ecosystems."

The Great Fiji Shark Count aims to create a comprehensive census of the various sharks that inhabit Fiji's waters for an independent scientific study.

This will be used as the basis for a submission to the government to set up a system to protect the animals.